The huge contribution made by volunteers in Rhondda Cynon Taf has been recognised across the county borough as part of Volunteers’ Week (June 1-7, 2017).

Hundreds of volunteers in Rhondda Cynon Taf give up their spare time every week to help others or do something different to their day job.

Volunteers’ Week offers an opportunity for charities and organisations to thank their volunteers and celebrate the massive difference they make.

Pontypridd-based Drugaid Cymru held an open day on Thursday, June 1st when people thinking of volunteering could pop in, talk to staff and find out more.

Dave began volunteering at Drugaid Cymru after retiring from the armed forces. He helps out three days a week with IT and computer-based work and finds his contribution is appreciated.

“I would say I get more satisfaction out of volunteering than I did out of my 30 years of work,” he said.

Julie Hancock has been volunteering for over a year at Curiositeas at Rosie’s in Llantwit Fardre. The popular cafe and shop supports the charity Follow Your Dreams, which offers opportunities to children and young people with learning disabilities.

Julie said her voluntary work is very rewarding and she encouraged others to consider volunteering: “I retired early and needed something to do. I enjoy socialising and talking to people. It’s a really good cause and it’s lovely. There’s quite a community spirit,” she said.

Events taking place during Volunteers’ Week include:

RCT Together is launching the 2017/18 Community Action Fund during the week with Treherbert Bowls Club on Tuesday, June 6th.

Vol Factor – a celebration evening for young people alongside Active Valleys – will be held on Tuesday, June 6th at the University of South Wales Sports Park.

Managing Volunteers Network Event – Everyone who supports volunteers in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr is invited on Wednesday, June 7th in Merthyr at 10am.

A BIG Thank You celebration for Involve 2 Evolve volunteers is on Wednesday, June 7th at the Muni Arts Centre from 1.30 – 3.30pm

Interlink Volunteering Advisor Thomas Crockett said: “This week is all about celebrating volunteers and the enormous difference they make to the organisations they work for. We have heard some great stories about how organisations have been transformed by using volunteers and from people whose lives have been transformed by choosing to volunteer.”

Interlink RCT works with around 500 members in RCT from small community groups to larger charities. It supports individuals, communities and organisations to work together to make a positive impact on the life of people who live and work in the county borough.